Be Persistent!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV

  Persistence is something we must each embrace if we are going to obtain the very best God has for us. Each of us is called to finish our race. There will be trials and obstacles, distractions and pitfalls but we must push through if we are ever to reach the prize that awaits us at the end.

Persistence often separates those who could from those who would.

You don’t always have to be the most “qualified.” Sometimes all it takes to get ahead is showing up and having faith enough to step forward, no matter how small the step.

I admit that isn’t always easy. 

Some obstacles will look insurmountable. Many people will call you “unrealistic.” Still, we must muster up our faith and continue to walk toward our goals even when they seem impossible.

Like a marathon runner, we have to run through the pain. Sometimes we walk and then there are times all we can do is crawl. Our cheerleaders won’t always stay the course. It is up to each one of us to endure our race full of expectation and determination even as doubt and fear loom on the sidelines.

No pain, no gain?

Oftentimes true.

Life sometimes hurts. There are disappointments. Failures and fatigue come with climbing uphill.

But keep climbing anyway!

Hebrews 12:2  instructs us to fix our eyes on Jesus and consider what He endured so that we do not grow weary and lose heart.

“For the joy set before him, He endured.”

We are called to do the same.

 We must be willing to give up our fears, choose God over pleasing people and dare to dream for what defies “logical” expectations. I’ve learned what God wants for me is usually far better than anything I envision for myself. God’s best requires endurance. The tests of patience and pain push us from one stage to the next. When we persist, we choose faith over fear.

Persist in pursuing what God has placed in your heart to the point that people think you are nuts! Bystanders thought Noah, Gideon, Moses and even the Disciples were crazy for daring to do what God called them to do. Yet, in the end, their reward was great!

Persist and pursue God’s best for YOU!

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11 NIV

 

***This post is dedicated to my son Landon, class of 2017, ever persistent in reaching his goals. We are VERY proud of you!

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

42 comments

  1. Hi Lilka
    the article was amazing! i want to suggest a way which helps developing persistence! just writing down your goals,why you want to achieve the particular goal,obstacles and how you would overcome it elaborately on a piece of paper and then reading it once a month helps greatly. whenever you feel like giving up, reading the paper gets your motivation back to the path of your goal.

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    1. This is great advice. I actually keep a list of goals for the year on my bathroom mirror and scratch them off during the year as I accomplish them. I begin a fresh list the beginning of each year. Some are easy. Others require a miracle. I’m averaging about 80% accomplish rate over the last ten years. Making a visual that was literally in my face keeps me on track. Thank you so much for taking time to stop by and comment! 😀 B Blessed!

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  2. Pingback: Be Persistent! — B is for Blessed! | New Height Industries

  5. We must be willing to give up our fears, choose God over pleasing people and dare to dream for what defies “logical” expectations… Lilka you are a vessel used by God and I thank you for being obedient and persistent in your call. I must share this very encouraging post. Thank you!!!

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  8. This is perfect medicine for me right now! Thanks for the super post which strengthens my resolve to continue to follow what God put in my heart! Sweet blessings to you on this wonderful Sunday!

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  9. Hi Killa,
    I love Hebrews 12:1
    We have to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangled.
    WoW!
    Most of the time for me it’s my thinking before, during and after whatever God called me to do.
    That’s why persevering is so important because the sin inside us always cries out for failure.
    And congrats to Landon for being a perfect example of persistence.

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  10. Landon is a role model; not simply an overcomer, but someone who puts one foot in front of the other and doesn’t allow himself to see the possible obstacles others so willingly point out.

    “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God: God makes everything possible.” (Mark 10:27, The Voice)

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    1. Susan, the kid is pretty fearless. His favorite words are “why not?” Me and the hubby have to work to keep up with him! God has really used this child to minister to my entire family. What I first viewed as devastating has REALLY blessed us! God can use adversity to teach us if we are willing to listen, but you already know that 😉 Love you.

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  11. The years are all worth the wait, as we continue onward and upward in His strength and grace. There are more blessings to come. You and Landon are still young, both of you just beginning to realize the mighty hand of our great and Almighty God and Father. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. We rejoice with you. 🙂 Fran

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  14. So good to read another of your wonderful posts, Lilka! I’m going to “steal” it away and re-blog it if I may…hope all is well with you and yours.

    Steve

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      3. Oh congratulations to Lan and to you and your husband, Lilka! You have them all through high school now! Off to college for Lan now?

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